I'm pleased with the performance obviously - Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp was impressed with his side’s performance against RB Leipzig in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday night.

The Reds propelled past their German opponents following second-half strikes from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane after two defensive blunders from Julian Nagelsmann’s side.

The Egyptian was adjourned the Man of the match as individual performances helped the Reds recover from a frustrating Premier League season to take their 2-0 lead into the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 which takes place next month.

Manager Jurgen Klopp says his side deserved the victory after lesser days of preparation for such a tough fixture.

“Very – very pleased with the performance obviously. It led to a result, I think to a deserved result. It was a game where you don’t expect big advantages for one or the other team because of the nature of both teams, because both are really well organised, both defend really well, both are used to causing the opposition side problems in the way they want to build the game. I thought that worked out slightly better for us tonight.

“I know Leipzig pretty well and I know how dominant they can be football-wise, how overwhelming they can be in a game from a physical point of view," he told Liverpool FC.

"That’s what we had to deal with tonight and the boys played a really good game – a really good game.

“We had a day less to prepare, which we have spoken a lot about, it’s a tricky thing. But we did well, played a good game, deserved the win I think, and forced them to make mistakes with a good formation, with a good attitude, in other phases we played good football. So, yeah, I’m happy with the performance,” he said.

Ozan Kabak partnered at the heart of defence with Jordan Henderson and helped the Reds keep a clean sheet in the European cup. The Schalke loanee was on top of headlines against Leicester after a lack of communication with Alisson Becker led to Jamie Vardy’s second goal for the Foxes. 

Klopp attributed such remarkable results to teamwork saying, “After such a long time with Schalke, he was new to that and I think his attitude was good. Very happy with his performance. And Hendo can play the position perfectly. It’s not that Leipzig didn’t have a chance, Ali also had to intervene in two or three things, but that’s normal.

“Overall, I can say I’m very pleased with the whole performance.|

Liverpool welcome Everton to Anfield in the Merseyside derby on Saturday. They play the return leg of the Champions League on March 10.